We're probably not going to have much notice before setting out on our journey to greet our Marines when they return stateside. I'm going to have to have a check list to make sure I don't forget anything, and I thought I'd share it with you. This is certainly not all-inclusive; it's just what I could come up with on the fly. Many of these things can be pre-arranged to help keep the last-minute details from adding stress to your travel.

Medical and/or Special Care Needs(Prepare these items ahead of time if at all possible.)

Inform hotel and airline of any special needs

Prescriptions, vitamins

Special care items

Special dietary items

Contact lens care items, spare glasses

Extra batteries

Entertainment to Pass the Time(I'm going to assume down-time is very likely. Be prepared to entertain yourself or if you're traveling with kids, bring things to keep them occupied.)

Books, magazines, reading material

Paper, pencils, crayons for the kids

Pens, journals for the adults

Portable games, gameboys, deck of cards

Extra batteries

Pack Your Suitcase(Indeed, I have to have a list of what to pack in my suitcase, but I also need a list when I go to the post office to buy stamps.)

Comfortable shoes

Comforable clothes

Socks, undies, pajamas, robe

Toiletries

Extra batteries

Items for Your Marine(Okay, so this is the most useful tip on this page. Your Marine has stored all civilian clothes and may not have immediate access to them. If you have clothes and/or shoes for your Marine, you will get an extra hour of hugs. My son will also want a pair of contact lenses.)